Public Procurement

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2011

Tuesday, 18 October 2011

Questions (186)

Simon Harris

Question:

197 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider awarding additional credits to Irish companies that tender for publicly funded contracts in both the State and semi-state sectors, in recognition of a number of factors including the number of locally employed persons, a company’s skill at providing similar projects in the past and a company’s ability to provide tax clearance and ePace certificates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29945/11]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

The award of public contracts is governed by EU Treaty principles and Directives on public procurement. The aim is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money. It would be a breach of the rules for a public body to favour or discriminate against particular candidates on grounds of nationality and there are legal remedies which may be used against any public body infringing these rules.

Nevertheless, there is evidence to indicate that more than 90% of public contracts here are won by Irish suppliers. The open market regime also offers opportunities for Irish companies to win business abroad and reliable EU studies indicate that many Irish businesses are successful in this regard.